Penguin Chicks: From Fluff to Tuxedo

For the African Penguin parenting is a serious task, both male and female must take turns to provide a constant supply of food to feed their chicks.  As they  grow their appearance changes from cute fluffball through a period of looking quite seedy as their chick down is gradually replaced by sleek gray/blue feathers.  They fledge within 60 – 120 days and leave the colony to make it on their own, spending a period of between twelve and twenty-two months out at sea before returning to their natal colony to molt into their adult plumage.

Fluffy, nearly three months old.

Looking a little moth-eaten as the fluff falls away.

Siblings nearing fledging.

Checking out the water.

Flipper workout, adjusting for sea.

Almost time to leave the colony and make it out in the big world of sea.

The sleek and slick adult penguin, with a well oiled , waterproofed tuxedo.

This post is in response to WordPress’ Weekly Photo Challenge: Change.  Pop over to the WordPress site for further posts on this subject.